New car sales in Scotland rose 26.6 per cent in April year-on-year new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders suggest.

A total of 15,369 cars were sold in Scotland in April compared with 12,141 last year.

The Scottish Motor Trade Association, which began compiling sales statistics for private and business and fleet sales in January, said 54.4 per cent of car sales so far this year are private sales and 45.6 per cent business and fleet.

Private sales in Scotland rose more than 33 per cent year on year in April, from 6,494 to 8,692.

And for the year to date, private car sales in Scotland are up 14 per cent on a year ago from 33,324 to 38,169.

April new car sales for the rest of the UK also rose 14.8 per cent year on year, with 163,357 cars sold against 142,322 recorded in April 2012.

Douglas Robertson, chief executive of the SMTA said: “It goes without saying that we are delighted that the good start to 2013 has continued into April though we are a little surprised at the extent of the growth in Scotland.

“Private demand has increase by 33 per cent over April 2012 confirming that consumer confidence is returning.

“We are currently running at 13.7 per cent ahead of last year and we are sure this reflects the increasing consumer demand.

“The availability of many new models in our members’ showrooms together with the reduced costs of running a new car has increased footfall in these showrooms and has resulted in more enquiries being converted into sales.”